To the editor:
Wednesday's editorial "Change Ohio's constitution, but not like this," makes the point that the reform of our amendment process to the Ohio Constitution is definitely needed, but complains about the timing of the vote. Granted, August is a bad time to hold a vote, but here we are. The vote is being held. Does it make sense to vote against a needed reform because the timing is bad?
I would like to add my concerns about our present amendment process to those expressed in the editorial. With our 50 percent-plus-one-vote threshold and the fact that petitions from only 44 counties, just half of our state, are necessary to move the amendment process forward, any billionaire or group can flood the counties around our major cities with millions of dollars of skewed and misleading ads and successfully force their agenda on our state.
We have all seen the results of Mark Zuckerberg's infusion of $400 million into the critical population centers of toss-up states in a recent election. Our present amendment process rolls out the red carpet for Zuckerberg cronies.
I voted early, and I voted yes, because I have seen what has happened in Michigan and Vermont. I am very afraid that Ohio, too, might become another California, and I am indignant that Ohio citizens in the more agricultural counties can be completely ignored and denied representation in the petition process.
Our constitution governs all 88 counties in Ohio. Support from the citizens of all 88 counties should be required for something as serious as adding an amendment to he constitution. That would provide a much-needed protection from New York and California billionaires.
I urge all Ohioans to join me in voting yes on Aug. 8 to give all of Ohio, and only Ohio, a voice in amending our constitution.
Sharon Conklin
Steubenville